Future of outgrown superstar pony

[minesadouble]

I have a kind of plan in mind but unsure if it is too limiting.
We have an amazing 13.1 coloured cob that we bought 3 years ago for my youngest, at the time non-riding, daughter.
He has taken her from being unable to rise to the trot to winning jumping classes with 30+ entrants. He's not a high level competition pony, happiest popping around unaff 50-60cm classes. He hacks alone and in company, will gallop along the beach and happily pull up, he's been to camp and was a superstar, he's just a gem of a pony who will willingly do anything that is asked of him.

He's now outgrown and my daughter has agreed that this should be her last Summer on him. Not only is she looking tall on him her enthusiasm for jumping is starting to exceed his abilities and I don't want him pushed beyond his capabilities.

We have a large DIY livery yard and ideally I'd like someone to have him on loan and keep him here at least initially. My daughter really wants to start with part-loan only as this pony has been her best friend for the past 3 years.
In the ideal world I'd like him to go to a knowledgeable horsey family home but I realise this is made so much harder by us insisting he stays here, at least initially.
I'm literally going round in circles in my head thinking about the best way forward! Has anyone been in a similar situation and made it work?

 

[nikicb]

If you can afford to not sell him, I would speak to the local PC DC and see whether they know of someone. He sounds as though he would be a real confidence giver. We have several ponies in our PC that move from one family to the next once they are outgrown.

 

[EllenJay]

Personally, I think its a bad idea for him to stay at your yard. Your daughter will find it really hard to move on. I would put on loan, at another yard with a monthly check written into the contract, so your daughter can have a cuddle, but also get to love her new pony.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Personally, I think its a bad idea for him to stay at your yard. Your daughter will find it really hard to move on. I would put on loan, at another yard with a monthly check written into the contract, so your daughter can have a cuddle, but also get to love her new pony.

Very possibly if your daughter knows where he is going on loan and approves of the new home, she will be happier for him to go on full loan. Could you start her on the new pony before the current one needs to leave your yard?

 

[Patterdale]

I think it will be very messy and difficult for all involved to keep him on your yard. If you don’t need to sell him, then find a nice loan home for him to go to

 

[blitznbobs]

Where in the country are you?

 

[ponynutz]

Agree with others will be difficult for your daughter if he's on the same yard but no reason he couldn't be for a trial period so your daughter can see he will be well looked after.

Also agree word of mouth might be best for your situation, something which I've found Pony Club is invaluable for if your daughter is a member. Or anyone met at shows, at your yard etc etc.

 

[minesadouble]

Very possibly if your daughter knows where he is going on loan and approves of the new home, she will be happier for him to go on full loan. Could you start her on the new pony before the current one needs to leave your yard?

If only! We don't have a new one lined up yet, and they will have very big shoes to fill. I'm dreading the search but her coach has mentioned a pony to me that she thinks may be coming on the market that could suit her, I'm praying it does.

 

[minesadouble]

Where in the country are you?

We are in the North East.

 

[minesadouble]

Thanks everyone, you've all pretty much echoed my fears.
Everyone who has ever met him just loves him so I'm hoping that once word gets out we're looking for a bigger pony the perfect family will approach us ?

 

[Red-1]

Going against the grain here, but I think part loan/share is the best way. She sounds like she has had great success with this pony and is now confident but, as yet, hasn't greatly ridden others to success?

I think changing from your first, saint of a pony, to something bigger (and more athletic) can be tricky! If it is at all possible, I would keep the first and allow her to get to know the new one (when you find it) whilst she still has the old one to pick up her confidence from any wobbles.

The old one may also be the one she can do a Christmas ride on, for instance, if that would not be the new one's cup of tea.

It sounds like your daughter is already being sensible about the whole thing, admitting that the old one is no longer able to fulfil her new ambitions and is getting too small. I don't know why she would find it tricky for him to be on part loan, it sounds very mature to want to look after his interests. I'm not saying it will always be roses, when the new rider makes mistakes, but that is also a learning curve and offset by the advantages of having a pony she is happy and confident to ride during any bumps in the road.

Tricky time, moving on from a first pony, confidence wise.